SKINS ANALYSIS

In this tasks were watched the first 5 minutes of the first ever serious of the TV show ‘Skins’. In this short clip we are introduced to four characters Tony, Effie, Mum and Dad. Tony is the main character who we focus on. First thing I’m going to point out is the theme tune/opening tune. This programme is aimed at teenagers and is made by teenagers. You would think that they would just pick a well known chart song for the theme tune but they haven’t. They have made there own theme tune which is unique and catchy. People will here this theme tune and automatically think of skins rather than having a popular chart song which wouldn’t stand out. The theme tuned picked is very upbeat and catchy it suits teenagers perfectly.

The start of the clip we are shown Tony (teenage boy) lying in bed. The way he is laying in the bed in-between a naked man and naked women printed on his duvet cover could show that he is confused about his sexuality. Also the duvet cover is immaculately tidy like as if no one is even in the bed. This may link to his age as many young teenagers are confused on there sexuality. Then we are shown his alarm going of and a montage of Tony doing his daily morning work out with some electronic music typically known as teenage music. This would attract the teenage audience to watch the episode and represents the age of the audience. Once Tony has finished his workout he tenses up his muscles in the mirror and smiles. People may suggest that he thinks he is full of himself which stereotypes most teenaged boys to do them sort of think after a work out, which then represents age. Now we are showed Tony pulling various pranks on his Dad who seems like he is a very short temper and angry person. Teenagers are typically stereotype to be annoying towards the older generation of people which also represents the age of Tony and his Dad. Another representation of age on Tony is quite the opposite of his age. His rug is very old fashioned which we wouldn’t expect a teenager of his age to have. Also his clothes and style is the opposite to what teenagers are stereotyped to wear. He wears baggy chinos, V-necked plain t-shirts and a plain sweater which aren’t what you would expect him to wear. How his clothes and room is laid out is so perfect like it’s a shop which also teenagers aren’t expected to be like this. The represents the old age.

We are now introduced to Tony’s younger sister Effie. We are shown a long shot of her walking towards the house. Effie is wear a mini shirt and a short top, here make up is all smudged and her hair is very messy. We assume that she has been out all night partying like what a typical teenager is stereotyped to do. This is a representation of a teenager. Tony has helped Effie to sneak into the house without the parents knowing. When she is in the house she quickly gets changed into her school uniform and cleans herself up.  When Effie comes downstairs she looks a lot younger than when she entered the house. This can show us that she has a split personality, also she can be seen as being very sneaky and manipulative towards her parents as they don’t have a clue where she has been all night.

Just at the end of the clip we are shown Tony and his Dad. Tony plays lots of tricks on his Dad which makes him get frustrated. Dad is very foul mouthed which attracts the teenage audience as it is very humorous. Throughout the scene we are shown a representation of the Dad not acting his own age.